Visas

Where You're Docked

Cruise ships dock right by central Keelung. The main train and bus station is a short distance away across the narrow harbor. Keelung port website here (schedule doesn't appear to be updated) http://www.klhb.gov.tw/

Money and Tipping

Taiwan's currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). You should be able to find currency exchange and ATM's near the pier or train station.

Local Transportation

To get to Taipei, head first to Keelung train station where you can take either a direct bus or the train. Both run frequently from the train station. The train may be easier and avoids potential traffic, takes approximately 40-50 minutes, costs between NT$43 - NT$66, and arrives at Taipei Main Station. Schedules available here (search Taipei-Keelung and Taipei-Taipei) http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/

Several bus companies travel this route including Kuo Kang. Buses use two bus terminals beside Taipei Main Station. Kuo Kang buses use Kuo Kuang West Bus Station Terminal A, leave every 10-20 minutes, fare is NT$55, and journey time is 50 minutes.

Once in Taipei, you can board the MRT from Taipei Main Station to get around. A one day pass is NT$200 (NT$50 refundable deposit, Nov 2011). Single fares are based on journey distance and a token is issued instead of a ticket. Tap when entering and return it in the slot when exiting the gate. http://english.trtc.com.tw

National Palace Museum - World's best collection of Chinese artifacts and antiquities saved from destruction during Mao's Cultural Revolution. Famous artifacts include a jade cabbage, jade pork belly and boat carved from an olive pit. MRT to Shilin and then bus or taxi.

Shopping & Restaurants

Taipei Underground City Mall - By Taipei Main MRT

Ximending Pedestrian Zone - north west of Ximen MRT

Huaxi Street Night Market with snake alley - north west of Longshan Temple.

Taipei is famous for it's night markets with a popular one in Keelung. From the Keelung railway station walk east straight along the street following the harbor in the direction of the Keelung Harbor Bureau (identifiable at night by its large orange neon sign). The night market is roughly one block from the point where you cross a freeway overpass.

Shilin Night Market is located in Taipei and both the largest and famous in the city. Line up for an oversized fried chicken cutlet or nuggets at Hot-Star in the food court. Try a Taiwanese hot dog, Dachang Bao Xiaochang , which is a pork sausage inside a sticky rice sausage. Close to Jiantan MRT Station.

Ningxia Night Market - a smaller night market in the city centre on Ningxia Rd (several blocks west of MRT Zhongshan and north of the traffic circle)

Taipei has some wacky, unique themed restaurants including Hello Kitty, Barbie, A380 and Modern Toilet.

Din Tai Fung, a large Asian restaurant chain specializing in soup dumpling originated in Taiwan and has multiple locations in Taipei including at Taipei 101 and near the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial on Xinyi Street. Closer to the memorial is Hangzhou Xiaolong Tangbao, another dumpling specialty restaurant.

Internet

Try cafes and restaurants for free wifi. iTaiwan is a free nationwide wifi network. Tourists can sign up for free accounts with their passport at tourist info centers and offices in transport stations.